How to Make Friends in the Sixth Grade
In many school districts, sixth grade is the first year of middle school. This means sixth graders must adjust not only to a new school but also to a new social environment. Taking the time to make good friends early on will provide you with a positive support system that will reduce your insecurities about middle school. Building friendships while you are young also teaches you interpersonal skills that will help you grow into an emotionally healthy adult. While you may not make new friends overnight, the overall process will be a rewarding one.
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Instructions
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Smile at other students when you make eye contact in the hall or classroom. If other children view you as friendly, they will be more likely to approach you.
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Demonstrate empathy for the feelings of others. Think about the things that you want to say and do beforehand to avoid hurting classmate's feelings. It is much easier to make friends when you have not been labeled as "mean" or "a bully."
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Participate in extracurricular activities. Both clubs and sports are good ways to interact with other children in an environment that is less structured than the classroom.
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Offer to tutor other kids in a subject you excel in. This gives you time one on one to not only help other students, but to get to know them as well.
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Let go of any stereotypes you may hold toward others. Anyone has the potential to become a great friend regardless of the way he dresses, the type of music he listens to, or his family's financial status in the community.
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Arrive at school early. Students who arrive early are often held together in a designated area before class begins. This provides you with an opportunity to talk freely with other kids and build friendships.
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Give compliments. As long as your compliments are genuine, they will be received with gratitude and the recipient is likely to start a conversation with you.
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Greet other kids who appear sad or lonely. You never know when you may brighten someone's day and earn a new friend in the process.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember that lots of other children are trying to make friends, just like you are. This should make the process easier.
Do not build friendships with kids who take drugs or participate in other forms of illegal activity lest you feel pressured to do so as well.
